MED: melatonin, alternatives and caution
Lea Curry
Dr. Nye brings up what a good point with melatonin:
> So far there are anecdotal reports that melatonin
> may cause depression, increase the rate of growth of certain kinds of
> cancer, and accellerate progression of certain autoimmune diseases (like
> MS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but not FMS).
>
I can say for myself,(and I speak FOR no one else) that certain forms
of arthritis, and even lupus may not really been adequately screened
out for me. Anti inflammatories have a great effect on my pain, as do
steroids, But I can not safely take either. This is counter to
everything said about FMS.
I am concerned that many of us have not been competantly screened for
all of these things. Fibromyalgia is gaining a lot of "popularity" as a
diagnosis, and I question whether *some* are not diagnosing it a little
too quickly. (in the adsence of very obvious symptoms, they might be
adopting a "wait and see" attitude, and giving us a name, in the mean
time.).
I know Dr. Nye, and our other professionals here would not do this,
but I can tell you that I have been told I have FMS by two
Rheumatologists, one of whom found a couple of tenderspots on my arms,
(didn't check anywhere else but *did* look at some very basic lab tests
and ask me some questions), and one who checked a few places on upper
body and asked me if it hurt, and did not wait for me to answer...This
one was a so called "FMS specialist" who did not perform, see, or ask
for any lab reports, but merely charged me $250.00 for a 20 minute
consultation, which was more of a speech about the merits of aerobics.
Although he practices at a prestigious hospital, and has a name for
himself, he was a not thourough or interested and was wound a bit too
tight, IMHO. <if anyone lives in the SF bay area I can give you the
name of one expensive specialist to avoid! e mail me>
I have the utmost respect for our Dr.'s here on the list, and am sure
they would carefully screen their patients, but I know all of us don't
have this quality of care. Also , our list doctors give us great advice
about FMS, but they have not seen us, or diagnosed us personally.
Having FMS does not mean you might not be developing one of these other
diseases.
My point is this... While many of us have been well screened for
fibromyalgia, some of us may have been given this diagnosis in lieu of
a more careful examination, and time. It might be wise to get a second
opinion, or a second screening , before we take any drugs which are
contraindicated for Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders
until we know more.
Some, of these these autoimmune diseases can be nasty
customers,(nastier than fibro) and I don't want to exacerbate them
until I know for sure. I greatly fear what the state of my health will
be in 10 years,(at the rate this is progressing) and I would hate to
hasten the progress of a disease like MS, or lupus, etc.
My 2 cents, only.
Devin Starlanyl
> I am concerned that many of us have not been competantly screened for
>all of these things. Fibromyalgia is gaining a lot of "popularity" as a
>diagnosis, and I question whether *some* are not diagnosing it a little
>too quickly.
I am also concerned about this. Most of the symptoms I see in
people who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia come from
myofascial trigger points and MPS. The neuroendocrine imbalance
of FMS is often there, but the TrPs are reversible once you find
the perpetuating factors. There are also other coexisting
conditions that are often in play as perpetuating factors. To
often medical practitioners tend to throw the term "fibromyalgia" at
a patient and then leave them drifting in the wind. Devin
Heikkinen
Devin Starlanyl wrote: [snip]
To often medical practitioners tend to throw the term "fibromyalgia" at
> a patient and then leave them drifting in the wind. Devin
I can vouch for that! Kathy in Batavia
Jean Lewis
I had never heard of fibromyalgia. I've been in pain for two years and my
HMO assigned me a new doc in July. I went to her office for a physical and
burst in to tears. She said"depression-see a psychiatrist" (sound familiar
to anyone?!) BUT she also said maybe fibromyalgia and sent me to a doctor of
physical medicine who did diagnose me with fbro and cfs. She gave me a
packet of information on it and set me up with a physical therapist at our
local rehabilitation hospital who knows a lot about fibromyalgia - in fact,
he told me how to get in contact with our local support group. I feel really
blessed to have all this so soon after diagnosis. I'm also glad I found this
group - y'all have helped me cope with this better than you'sll ever know!
Jean
ana
On Wed, 21 Aug 1996, Jean Lewis wrote:
> I had never heard of fibromyalgia. I've been in pain for two years and my
> HMO assigned me a new doc in July.
I had not heard of the disease either until a doc dx'ed me.
>I went to her office for a physical and
> burst in to tears. She said"depression-see a psychiatrist" (sound familiar
> to anyone?!)
All too familiar! Still, when I hear this, it just burns me up!
> BUT she also said maybe fibromyalgia and sent me to a doctor of
> physical medicine who did diagnose me with fbro and cfs. She gave me a
> packet of information on it and set me up with a physical therapist at our
> local rehabilitation hospital who knows a lot about fibromyalgia - in fact,
I am a bit surprised that they so quickly dx'd you with FMS. Did they
send you to the shrink anyway? If so what did she/he say? I am glad you
finally have the dx.